Something that is a pervasive
concern for teachers is student engagement and adaptability for all. Having
students complete their work, or listen to instruction, are often concerns for all students, not only those with behavioural needs. I have seen certain approaches work effectively, and is
something that can be used to help increase attention span and learning opportunities
for students: adaptable/movement seating.
 |
| Sensory/movement seating as well as different levels of seating. |
As illustrated in the picture, this
type of seating allows students to continue moving while they work, and for
many students, this movement helps them focus (Schimke, 2013). Not only are there
movement seating options (swivel stools, large balls, etc.) but also non-seating options. As seen in the second image, students
are working standing up at an elevated surface. This is yet another option
when designing your classroom space. Not all students are able to work
effectively sitting in a chair in front of a desk.
 |
In terms of sensory inclusion,
through my research, I came across 2 sensory types that I had never heard of before. The
journal I retrieved them from states them as such:
"Most caregivers
and teachers of young children are familiar with a child’s five senses, but
they may not be aware that there are two additional senses: the proprioceptive and vestibular senses
(Lynch & Simpson, 2004). Proprioceptive sensors are found in joints and
tendons and send information to the brain about the positioning of each body
part. Vestibular sensors are found in the inner ear and send information to the
brain about balance and how the body is positioned in relation to the
environment. The body and brain work together using all seven of these senses
to take in information and process it……. This process encompasses how the brain
organizes and responds to sensory input". (Merritt, 14)
Ok, so it’s a lengthy
description, but it gave me an eye opening perspective of what sensory
processing truly is. There are parts of our body that must operate in unison in
order to most effectively process information. For students, teachers, and
parents, this is very important to understand, and I feel very few people do –
including myself, up until this point. This research supports the idea that
sensory integration is a natural part of how we learn and develop. Even as
infants, this is how we learn – why would we expect that to stop?
Here are some
suggestions for classroom activities that utilize these two senses and why they
are an important part of child development.
Vestibular
Why
is this important in the classroom?
“Children who have an underdeveloped vestibular system have difficult
reacting to information about movement, gravity, balance, and space. They may
either be oversensitive or under sensitive to these things….. Also delays in
speech, language motor skills, or academic achievement are often apparent”.
(Learning Through the Senses)
Classroom
Activities:
- During the day provide a variety of calming activities for the
whole class.
- Place a rocking chair in a quiet area and allow children to slowly
rock calming effect.
- Give the child an appropriate object to squeeze to settle down tactile
inputs can assist to calm the child.
·
Make sure there are times when
stimulation is limited as some children may over react.
Proprioception
Why
is this important in your classroom?
“Children with low proprioception may be
restless in the classroom. They may also be clumsy and trip over tables and
chairs. They may swing between furniture and be unable to accept physical boundaries.
There may be an unusual need to have close physical contact but they may also avoid
teams sports an wont enjoy close eye activities. They may also have difficult
grasping mathematical concepts. “(Learning Through the Senses)
Classroom
Activities:
·
Use media to pull and work hands
and fingers through materials such as putty, play dough, clay or rubber bands.
·
Use activities that encourage
children to push, pull or carry heavy loads.
·
Use stress balls.
·
Give them a box of beans to
submerge their arms in to find objects.
·
Provide large pillows and mats for
burrowing into.
·
Wearing heavy bag or weighted pack.
For students in
your class who have difficulty with attention span or sitting still, they are
not the problem. Their brains and bodies are trying to process so much
information, and use ALL SEVEN of their senses. Their need to explore these
senses as they learn is not supported in ‘traditional’ classroom set-ups.
Moveable seating is one way in which you can begin to assist all learners in
your classroom. Instead of viewing them as a distraction, try and see where
their attention, or lack thereof, could be coming from. These types of seating arrangements have
proven successful for children with ADHD and autism, and would not doubt
benefit other learners in your classroom as well.
And as
illustrated in the second image, having various ways of working in the
classroom can help you support all types of learners in your classroom.
You may be
worried, “If I try this my classroom will be chaos!” and it very well may be –
with the wrong attitude. It is important that your students understand the
concept of equity, and that you treat these options as simply that – options.
They are not a privilege, something to be taken away or given, they are tools
for learning.
Merritt,
Jill. (2014). Alternative Seating for
Young Children: Effects on Learning.
American International Journal of Contemporary Research. Vol. 4 No. 1. Retrieved
from
Schimke, Ann. (2013). Students stand, balance and bounce to learn. Chalkbeat, Colorado. Retrieved
from
Learning Through the Senses: Sensory Development
in the Classroom for 5-8 year olds. Retrieved from
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